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Theexpulsion of Catholics from Norway, from 1613 onwards, was a precaution taken against theCounter-Reformation movement, which was orchestrated by the Kings ofDenmark–Norway, but after 1814 it was orchestrated by the Norwegian government.
Following the events of theProtestant Reformation, theCatholic Church and its missionary organization, theSociety of Jesus, strived to regain control of the religion inNorthern Europe. In 1612 it was reported that some prominent priests in Norway had undertaken studies at Jesuit colleges, and that they secretly supported Catholicism. Several of these suspected Catholic priests were called to the country's highest court of law, calledHerredag. The trial was held at the vicarage ofGjerpen inSkien, and started on 2 August1613. Among the suspects wasChristoffer Hjort, vicar inAker and priest at the chapel ofAkershus Castle, and his two brothers Jakob Hjort and Evert Hjort. Also the priestHerman Hanssøn was among the suspects.[1][2]Niels Claussøn Senning, Bishop of theDiocese of Oslo, was responsible for the inquisitions.[3] KingChristian IV of Denmark and Norway was present at the trial, and he had ordered all bishops of the country to attend.[1] The trial ended on 21 August. Several of the priests were found guilty. They were convicted to loss of benefice and inheritance, and were instructed to leave the country.[1][4][5] Two suspected students, Petrus Alphæus and Mogens Haakenssøn, were also expelled from the country.[1]
Adecree dated 28 February 1624 made it explicitly illegal for Jesuits and monks to be in the country. Offenders risked the death penalty, and those who supported the Jesuits or monks by providing lodging or food risked severe punishment. In 1646 the regulations were somewhat relaxed, as foreign sailors were then allowed to practice their religion at three dedicated locations, inOslo Old Town,Nordnes andChristianssand.[1]
After thedissolution of Denmark-Norway in 1814, the newNorwegian Constitution of 1814 did not grantreligious freedom, as it stated thatJews andJesuits weredenied entrance to Norway. It also stated that attendance in aLutheran church was compulsory, effectively banning Catholics. The ban on Catholicism was lifted in1842, and the ban on Jews was lifted in1851. At first, there were multiple restrictions on the practice of Catholicism and only foreign citizens were allowed to practice (including the then Queen of Sweden and NorwayJosephine of Leuchtenberg). The first post-reformation parish was founded in1843, Catholics were only allowed to celebrate Mass in this one parish. In1845 most restrictions on non-Lutheran Christian denominations were lifted, and Catholics were now allowed to practice their religion freely, butmonasticism and Jesuits were first allowed as late as1897 and1956 respectively.[6]